Gianluigi Donnarumma offers verdict on Manchester City competition with James Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester City’s newest arrival in their defensive structure has welcomed the top-level competition that awaits him at the Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old Italy international joined City on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £26 million, signing a five-year contract until the summer of 2030 with the option of a further year.

Donnarumma’s arrival follows months of uncertainty surrounding Ederson’s future and is seen by many as the next step in Pep Guardiola’s evolution of the squad, after the Brazilian brought an end to speculation by joining Fenerbahce.

Manchester City now boast a deep and talented goalkeeping department. James Trafford has returned from Burnley after a highly impressive spell at Turf Moor, while Stefan Ortega opted to remain with the club despite summer offers from across Europe.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s signing brings UEFA Champions League-winning experience and a reputation as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and supporters will be eager to see how Pep Guardiola now balances his goalkeeping options.

For Donnarumma, competition at the top level is nothing new, having faced similar situations during his time at AC Milan and PSG.

Speaking during his first interview as a Manchester City player, Gianluigi Donnarumma welcomed the competition for the club’s No.1 spot between the posts, largely stemming from fellow summer recruit James Trafford.

“I’m happy because competition is good for everyone. I can’t wait to meet him [James Trafford], and I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates,” Donnarumma admitted.

“We have to be a strong and united group with people who care for each other and that is the key to success. Together we can make great success.”

Offering his thoughts on Manchester City as a whole having formally arrived in the north-west this week, the Italy international said, “It’s a club that has always fascinated me. I’ve always followed it [City] with pleasure.

“I see everything around me like the training centre and the stadium, they are fantastic. You can’t tell what the club values until you really see it with your own eyes. The buildings and the staff here are fantastic.

“I came here with all my family and for my first day at the club and my first emotions are that it looks like a real family. Everyone is smiling and I’m just happy and proud and I can’t wait this new adventure.”

Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola will likely rotate his options in the coming weeks of the season, with Donnarumma expected to make his debut in the near future, with a number of high-profile matches immediately on the horizon.

His adaptation to the Premier League, as well as his on-pitch relationship with Manchester City’s backline, will be crucial in determining how quickly he cements himself as first choice.

For James Trafford, the challenge now lies in continuing his development in an environment stacked with world-class talent. City fans will be closely monitoring how the battle for the No.1 spot unfolds, with Guardiola having one of the strongest goalkeeping units in Europe.